To Become A Campione

by readerdreamer5625

Six years later, the Investigation Team enters as Godou's high school teachers. Famous teachers. Again, very famous. Slight AU to both fandoms.

3. Enemies

AN: Cookies! Ohm-nom-nom-nom…

And the plot thickens for the past.

It was an accident that I ended the last chapter with a cliffhanger. Really. An. Accident. :)

I only realized when you guys suddenly reviewed about it. Haha! So this is what it feels like to be on the other side of the cliffhanger. It makes me rather guilty to follow through with my planned cliff-hanger this time… I have a penchant for the dramatic, so don't sue me!

I actually feel like I'm juggling three timelines instead of two; Yu's experiences are of a completely different vein to those of his friends. While they are essentially trying to escape Inaba – though escape is quite the strong word – he's busy on starting to cope to life in Tokyo with the Kusanagi family. Plus something else… Kufufufufu!

P4 Golden is still not part of my fic… but I have several ideas. Also, the first to find to not-so-concealed pun of at least one of the names will get cookies! Cyber cookies, but still cookies!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything other than the plot. That's why I will twist it topsy-turvy… It will be so twisted, that even my sister's hair is no compare! (Nononononono- don't kill me, I was just jokin-) Why do I keep dying in my disclaimers?

Chapter 2: Enemies

---

Past:

"Believe in us, and in humans. We swear to never give in!"

- Rakuu Namiya in the popular novel series, Into The Fog by Marche Heir

Contrary to their plans, Yosuke and the rest of the team weren't able to go to Yu immediately after they graduated.

Instead, they faced the backlash of such a rushed decision. Parents suddenly decided to enter the lives of their children again, as they were just as suddenly acclaimed as geniuses. Friends and teachers, no matter how little they actually interacted with them in school, suddenly wanted to talk to them, to ask as to why they 'hid' their abilities.

Others though, raised rumors and more problems for the IT, as they whispered theories about conspiracies, ranging from being hidden super secret spies to simply cheating as a group in the exams.

Yosuke and Yukiko had it worst, as some of their parents were the most difficult to work around with, either overly-worrying over them or trying to railroad them into their old dreams.

"What do you mean you're going on vacation?! Yosuke, listen here. School year's only started for college, so if we hurry, we can pull some strings for you to take an exam to Tokyo University!"

"Yukiko, are you sure you'll be safe? I'm worried; what if something happens? No… it's best for you to just stay here in Inaba."

After another grueling afternoon, Yosuke slumped facedown on his pillow. Lucky Teddie, he never had to face problems like this!

Beside him then, his phone rang. Picking up the call without looking at the name, he hoped that it wouldn't be another from the increasingly worrying amount of hatemail and prankcalls.

"Ah, Hanamura-senpai. How was your day?"

He straightened up. "Wait! Is this you, Naoto?!"

"Why do you sound so surprised, Hanamura-senpai?" The detective asked dryly on the other side of the call, probably finding a bit of amusement from his reaction. "Didn't you check who called first before you picked up?"

"Too lazy…" He rubbed the back of his head embarrassedly before he realized Naoto couldn't see. "So. You've finally called me for the first time. And here I was, worrying about it, because apparently even Teddie managed to get a call from you before me."

"Is that so?" Yosuke was sure he heard a slightly indulgent tone there… "I'm sure then, that he hadn't told you that he was the one who started those calls then?"

"I knew it, that damned bear…" He grumbled beneath his breath. If it weren't for the fact it was the time he gave Teddie that phone of his allowed them to find out about Nanako's kidnapping, he would've wished it hadn't happened. "So, why did you call me again?"

"I wanted to ask you about your day, Hanamura-senpai."

"Ah, that." He grimaced at the still-formal name. "You can call me Yosuke, you know. And my day's been absolutely terrific. My mom still tells me how proud she is of me, and my dad's been busy trying to force me into university. Yeah, terrific."

"No need to be so sarcastic, Yosuke-sempai." Naoto was rolling her eyes then, Yosuke knew. "Yukiko-sempai is also of the same token. Her mother seems to be excessively protective of her and refuses to even let her go on a week-long trip; so that's why her dungeon was like that? And I thought I had problems with my family."

"You sound really annoyed for some reason, Naoto."

"I'm not annoyed. I'm only slightly miffed because I had already packed my bags for a short trip, and suddenly we have to delay because of your parents. Why hadn't you told me earlier? I could've done something to convince them as well, but now Yukiko-sempai's problems need to be settled first before yours. Any ideas on how to solve them?"

"No." He sounded defeated. While he was the second-command, it was always Yu who thought of the solutions. And Yosuke didn't want to worry his partner anymore than he had to. "Yukiko-san, huh? Do you think we could somehow talk Ms. Amagi around, tell her that we can protect Yukiko-san ourselves? Chie being there would help too, as she knows her already."

There was a short pause on the other side, like Naoto stopped herself from saying something before finally speaking again. "That wouldn't work. If only we could cover-up the trip to be something more than just a vacation, and in the same time be grounds for allowing all of us to go. That would help, a lot."

"I don't know, Naoto. I don't know."

But soon enough, they realized they wouldn't have to. The combined Luck of eight supernaturally powered people was after all, something not to be ignored.

---

Rise groaned, her eyes with bags beneath them, as she slumped in her seat at their 'secret base' in Junes. Beside her was Kanji, who had, under some convincing by Yu, taken to knitting in public to further change his image. He was already known for his dolls and that incident with the kid, so why not take it further? It wasn't like that there was anyone who would attempt to belittle him anymore, and not to mention, unlike when he was a kid, he already had friends who had accepted worse as a part of him.

"Rise-chan, why didn't you sleep?"

Teddie poked a bit at her mostly-catatonic body before jumping away a bit when she sent him a glare. It eased though, when she saw him had a can of Quelorie Magic on hand for her. Now that was something to smile for.

"Thanks for this Teddie…" She took the can before opening it to drink. Say what you want about her advertising the product a year ago, but she actually liked the drink, and Yukiko-sempai was of the same opinion. It was healthy at least, unlike Dr. Salt NEO. "I was stressed a lot yesterday night because of my suddenly overzealous fans, so I decided to go websurf for a bit."

"I would've thought you were smarter than losing sleep over that, Rise." Kanji commented beside her, raising his watchful eye from the latest knitting project in his hands. It was going to be the first piece of his planned scarves for the entire IT, starting with Yu first. Streamed with the colors silver, black, and white, it already looked rather visually appealing. "But then again, there's something else there, isn't it?"

"I kinda literally entered the world-wide web last night, I think."

Unluckily, that was the moment Yosuke walked in to their conversation, and he was also drinking a can of soda. Apparently, surprise with the excessively fizzy beverage that was the Dr. Salt NEO was the recipe for a perfect spit-take.

Teddie clapped. "Wow, Yosuke! That was quite the beary pronounced reaction!"

"S-shut i-it, b-bear…" The brunet managed to choke out, along with most of the fluid in his windpipe. With tears in his eyes from the pain of a saline liquid in his nose, he turned to Rise. "N-now, Rise, w-what were you s-saying again?"

"Too tired to explain now…" The idol murmured before blinking as she suddenly felt much rejuvenated. "Wait, what happened? Now I'm not sleepy at all."

Kanji pointed a finger beside her. It was Teddie again, and his hand was glowing as he held her shoulder.

"Probably used [Energy Shower] then?"

The blond nodded cheerily before jumping in joy. "Yatta! It worked, and now Rise-chan doesn't look like a zombie anymore!"

Rise's eyebrow twitched a bit at that. "I should be thanking you for the help, but then again that comment…" She shook her head, deciding to simply ignore it. She then turned back to the direction of her senpai. "So, Yosuke-sempai, have you recovered now- wait, no, someone's going to-"

Before he could recognize her warning however, in his attempts to simultaneously blink away the pain and find something to wipe away the soda on his face, Yosuke managed to move quite a bit of distance away and into the pathway.

He then walked into someone, knocking both of them backwards.

"Ah!" Yosuke gasped as he landed not so nicely on his back. He still managed to apologize however. "Sorry about that…"

"There isn't much need to worry, boy." The person replied as he also picked himself up, brushing off some of the dirt that stuck on his pants. "You were in pain earlier… are you alright? That wasn't a good landing."

"I'm fine; my drink just came down the wrong pipe."

The man laughed uproariously at that before holding out a hand to help up Yosuke. "I could imagine. But seriously, are you alright? That had to bruise a bit."

"Nah, I'm alright." The Hanamura waved it off; if there was one thing he knew now, he didn't bruise that easily. He took the help though, and recovered his position. By that time, the other three had already walked up to both of them. "You don't look familiar; a visitor?"

"You can say that." The man replied, almost flamboyantly fixing the creases away from his clothes. Yosuke had no qualms on that action; they looked incredibly costly, so he was probably heading to a meeting before Yosuke had knocked into him. "I feel like I should ask for your names, and my intuition has always been correct. So, who are you guys then?"

Rise blinked beside him. She had thought a single glance at her would've made him recognize her, but then again she wasn't wearing makeup. And he was asking for all of them anyway. So, with a nudge, she signaled Yosuke to answer.

"Ah," He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm Yosuke Hanamura, and they're my friends Rise, Kanji, and Teddie. May I ask for your name as well?"

Strangely, the man had a smile on his face. "I see… Well, my name is Kojin Endarasu. Nice to meet you all."

Kojin then shook all of their hands, the smile still on his face, before spinning on one heel to face another direction. "I was going somewhere, so I have to go now. I have a feeling we'll all meet again, so let's hope it happens soon. Bye!"

"Huh, that was strange." Yosuke murmured as the man left.

Rise blinked twice before her face turned to shock. Shaking, she placed a hand over her closest Senpai. "Yosuke-sempai… You should thank the gods that man didn't get angry…"

"Huh?" He turned to the idol, confused. "What is there a reason for me to be scared of Kojin-san?"

"A man of wealth, and apparently the Luck of 66. Years ago he had singlehandedly founded a single company, and just recently branched out to Inaba after placing many of his buildings all over Japan. Yosuke-sempai, you just attracted the attention of your dad's boss, the owner of Junes."

---

In the same time, somewhere else in Inaba, Ms. Amagi received a call.

"Hello, this is the Amagi Inn. Yes? A single room? May I ask for your name?" Several nods after, she was already writing the arrangement down. "Thank you for calling. Please come later in the evening."

"Ah, Amagi-san, is it something related to our children?"

She shook her head before returning a smile. "Don't worry, it's only work-related. Now, you were saying?"

These meetings had, in fact, started months ago, behind the backs of the people who were the reasons for why it even began. Sometimes, it happened in other houses, with them just talking about their observations. Several parents were also not included, if only for the fact that they had certain aggressions on several of their members.

This time, it was inside the Amagi Inn, if only for the fact that she couldn't go too far away from her work at the moment.

Hanamura-san heaved a sigh beside her, her long brown hair tumbling over her face.

"I feel like Yosuke's even getting farther away from me nowadays…" She looked sadly at her locket. Inside it was a photo of an eight-year old brunet boy. "I thought that now he's more at home without school, he could spend some time with me more, but he's trying even harder to get away from us these days…"

"Dear," Tatsumi-san placed a cup of tea beside the miserable woman. "It isn't your fault. Kanji-kun's been telling me about it, and it's your husband who is the cause here. He's been pushing the boy way too much, trying to force him to do something he doesn't want to do. Not without his friends at least."

The poor woman made a weak, but still happy, smile at that.

"Ah yes, his friends." Hanamura-san closed the locket, along with her eyes. The inn manager could empathize with her; when she had found out that her dear Yukiko had finally branched out beyond Chie-chan – as a kind girl she was, her Yukiko needed more friends – she was also overjoyed beyond belief. For someone of the Hanamura family, whose social status in Inaba can be only called abysmal, it probably meant a lot more to them that their son had made friends.

On the mother's side, at least. Mr. Hanamura only seemed to be interested in further raising his economic status.

"Rise-chan's been smiling more nowadays as well." Kujikawa-san added her two cents. The tofu-maker was an old business relation, years before they started meeting like this, but it was only recently that Ms. Amagi could really say they were friends. Yes, as well as the rest of the parents with her now, if only because they started meeting for the sake of understanding their children.

That was the crux of the matter. They, along with the rare visits of Yakushiji-san, the butler of the Shirogane family, had held multiple gatherings like this one in order to watch over their children. It had started when Yukiko returned after disappearing for a long while, sick of an unknown cause, making her walk to Junes the moment she recovered.

They had convened and told each other what little they knew, and then Tatsumi-san came, then Kujikawa-san, until they realized that in their goals of finding more about their children's friends, they made friends of their own. Chie-chan would've had her parents in the group, if they weren't only…

She shook her head. No use on mourning over ghosts long past.

"But there was a time when all she did the moment she arrived home was cry."

There was a moment of silence. Ms. Hanamura murmured, "It was on March 21, wasn't it?"

The only grandmother in the room nodded. "Yes, it was when that Yu-kun left Inaba."

Another moment of silence. All of them already had realized of that fact.

"Kanji-kun also locked himself in his room that day." Tatsumi-san looked a little weary at the memory. "The next afternoon, beside his bed was a new doll. It was of a person, and had silver hair." Everyone understood what she meant then. "Why did he have to go away, away to a pair of parents who had unceremoniously dumped him without care here in Inaba, only to tear him when he finally made friends?"

'Why tear him away from their children?' went unsaid, but they all knew of it. They all knew of him, the bowl-cut teenager who had helped their children come in terms with their problems, and the one who was the reason all of them were even friends.

"He was mentioned, you know?" The wife of the Junes manager added. "He was mentioned, just before they all decided to graduate early. Yosuke came home that night with a fierce determination in his eyes. I knew that again, it was Yu-kun that got him out of what could've grown into a full-on depressive time."

Again, more words went unspoken. 'Like when Saki Konishi died.'

"And now there's this trip." Ms. Amagi finished for them. "They all did it, for the sake of that boy. And I don't know whether I could really trust them with my Yukiko, no matter how long they have been friends by now. After all, with the way they all met…"

It was still in their minds what was the real reason behind their friendship. Aside for Chie and Yosuke, the rest of the group their children had had met under one circumstance. They had become friends only after being kidnapped. And the ones who also found them days after they had disappeared were also the ones that had been in the group beforehand. And Chie had already been friends with Yukiko in the past; Yosuke being of the same token as they also knew he was Yu's first friend.

It led to the questions on what exactly happened on those days, and what induced the sickness that their children seemed to come down with when they finally returned home, but they all tried to not force their children to answer. Needless to say, even now they hadn't received them. And with the fact that, for some unknown reason, their children were now geniuses even though only months before some of them were half-crying over exams…

Their Investigation Team, as what they knew their children called themselves, now had a dark shadow over it. And it unsettled them greatly.

"Amagi-san," Kujikawa-san finally spoke, minutes after a long silence, "All I know is that-"

She was interrupted when one of the shoji doors suddenly opened, allowing one of the inn workers to enter. The kitchen cook looked entirely frazzled, but he only took a second before he gasped out as best as he could what he had to tell.

"M-Madam, t-there's been a scene in the Shopping District, and Y-Yukiko-sama and her friends are there as well!"

The manager immediately stood, and the other parents also did the same. "What was the reason? I know Yukiko wouldn't do anything without a reason."

The cook gingerly turned to the Hanamura mother. "That Junes kid," he said slowly, sounding like he had problems accepting it as well, "he's trying to save it. He's trying to save the Shopping District."

---

Meanwhile, Yu was in a café in Tokyo, trying it out over the recommendation of a certain Kusanagi Ichirou.

The old man had proved to his first impression, mixing in between lessons of various mythologies stories of his… sexual exploits before he met his beloved Chiyo. Nothing too graphic, only telling him of several of his successes over winning over many women, but it was still quite an experience. Somehow, even Sayoko seemed tame compared to the old Kusanagi.

Still, when Yu had been beyond a little disappointed over the fact his friends would be delayed, the old man had picked up on it. Quite an amazing feat as well, as Yu knew beyond doubt that he betrayed very little of his emotions, especially around Godou and Shizuka. Ichirou-jiisan only took a look at him before placing a list of places in his hands and not-too-subtly pushing him out the door.

The café's name, Into The Rabbit Hole, proved fitting as the moment he entered he was introduced into a strange cavalcade of Victorian influence in the smack dab middle of Tokyo, mixed alongside a bit of slight madness. Various men, women, and children were laughing and cheering at each other, teacups clinking as they cheered beneath the sound of a slightly parodied slow version of a birthday song.

Yu of course, took to it with little bother, already being used to strangeness because of the TV World. If anything, if the greens, blues, reds, and purples of the café were replaced with simple blue velvet, it would've been a lot more casual version of the Velvet Room.

"We don't serve alcoholic drinks here."

He turned to the only barista of the huge café, as there was a distinct lack of other workers in the vicinity. However, Yu could only see little beyond the behind of the young-looking man, as he was busy fixing something beneath the opposite counter.

"I'm actually looking for coffee…"

The green-striped behind only made a jerk, and a sound of 'ow' was heard. "Ah, sorry about saying that then. People keep coming here thinking it's that kind of place."

Yu held back the urge to chuckle. Nevermind his first meeting with Godou, this one was comparable to that of Yosuke's. The Hanamura had, after all, first spoke to him from inside the walls of a trashcan. "Perhaps it's because of the atmosphere around here?"

"They're drunk from cheer, not beer…" The man grumbled, his erratic motions slowing down as he probably finished what he was doing, revealing his appearance. Large green top-hat with a costume more appropriate for a play than serving in a café, he made for quite the look. Finally coming up to face Yu, he was holding a bag of coffee beans as he murmured, "So, from the sound of your voice, a teen. I think I have the recipe for that coffee around here…"

When his eyes finally concentrated on the bemused Yu's face, he immediately dropped the bag back to one of the containers. "Nope, not for you. Definitely not for you."

"Too late," Yu finally let out the chuckle. "Now I'm interested. What were you talking about, anyway?"

The barista pointed upwards, towards the menu above him. "One of the favorite items around here. I've bought off the recipe from some of my business associates and ever since then people, especially teens, keep buying it by the loads. Apparently, it had been famous on their island that it could somehow increase the charm of the drinker…"

So that's why he was introduced here… "And why do you think it's definitely not for me?"

The man deadpanned. "Who do you think you're kidding? If it's true, then drinking a single cup of Pheromone Coffee would get you jumped. By women. I'm not risking a fight over something like that in my café, so don't even think of ordering one. You're already banned."

Yu laughed. "That quickly?"

A roll of the eyes. "Don't get too pleased. Anyways, we still have other drinks around here, plus some snacks. So, are you buying any?"

"I think I'll simply have whatever you think is best." He nodded, already peering into the drinks of the other people around him. They were interesting, to say the least. Some he could see having various accessories that came along, curls of candy hanging beside sticks of peppermint dipped into various cakes. "I sure hope it would be good."

"I'll be sure to serve well, Your Highness."

---

The cake was splendid, as well was the coffee that was served along with it.

"Compliments to the chef." Yu murmured, before sending the still-disgruntled barista a smile. "Or is it you?"

"Me indeed." The man replied with a sigh beside him, taking a seat for a short rest. He was finally out of orders to do. It was quite amazing to watch, really. You don't really know the meaning of 'busy' until you see a single man juggle over twenty orders in a row, some of them quite literally as they had to be accompanied with a stunt before being delivered to the customers. "Thanks for the compliment though."

"You only deserved it." He quickly replied. "Making something like that with one hand is amazing, especially because the other hand is making pancakes."

"Thank god for being ambidextrous." The barista finally let out something other than tiredness or annoyance, a small chuckle that revealed a less caustic personality beneath the worker. "So, what's your name? I have this record around here of my customers…"

"Narukami Yu. Yours?"

"Eugeo." The man finally told him. "Just call me Eugeo."

"Eugeo it is." Yu nodded, wondering a little as to why he had no surname, and as to why he had such a strange name for someone who seemed entirely Japanese. But out of simple courtesy, he didn't ask.

Eugeo then glanced at the book in his hands. "Hmmm, judging from that, you're probably somebody Ichirou-san knows?"

"You know of him?" It was actually quite surprising he recognized him from something as simple as a mythology book. "He was actually the one who vouched for this café."

"He does that pretty often, especially with students." The barista revealed with a small sigh, edged with a sort of long-suffering exasperation. "And I thought that since he retired, I didn't have to worry about anymore wannabe gigolos in my shop. But then again, you don't really need the Pheromone Coffee…"

"Wasn't it good that you have more customers?"

Eugeo rolled his eyes again beneath flaxen hair. "Do I look like I need more customers?"

"Actually no." Yu said rather bluntly, hiding away a small smile with a sip of his coffee.

"Case and point." The owner of the café stood before he bowed pretentiously for dramatic effect. He then spun on one foot to return to his duties. "Well, goodbye for now. Don't stay too long; my café closes at six."

It was great for Yu that he turned away, as he would've been witness to the rare sight of the normally composed teen gaping. He had, after all, seen something he had never really expected to see anymore ever since he left Inaba.

Behind the leaving Eugeo's back, he could see a single tarot card visible only to him. It portrayed a single man, holding a staff and wearing a pair of curved shoes and a hat, surrounded by four smaller animals. The familiar voice in his head then spoke in its loud ominous tone:

"Thou art I… I am thou… You have established the Café Owner Social Link of the Jester Arcana. May the bond of the Jester guide you in your journey…"

"Huh." Was all the he could say the moment he calmed down. "Well, that was a surprise."

---

"I'm home…"

Immediately after Yu said the customary phrase, the sound of rushing footsteps announced the rather warm reception of one of the kids of the house.

Of course, namely: Godou.

"Welcome home, Yu-san!" The boy merrily yelled before attempting to tackle him. However, his feet missed the ledge by an inch, causing him to go off balance. Yu took the moment to wonder whether clumsiness was hereditary as he grabbed Godou, his face safe from meeting the floor unceremoniously by a mere inch.

With a tug at the boy's shirt, he lifted Godou to face-height. "So, what was that for?"

He asked as flatly as he could, causing the boy to flush in embarrassment again. "L-let me go!"

"Alright." Just as unceremoniously, he released his grip on the shirt, causing Godou to yelp. Yu associated the fact his arm wasn't even the slightest bit tired to the results of his Personas affecting his physiology like Rise said. "Here you go."

The boy landed nimbly on his feet, only to keep his face looking down. It only took a moment for the older teen to poke a finger on his forehead, forcing him to look upwards. Yep, the kid was definitely blushing out of embarrassment.

"Muuu~ Why do I always keep doing that…"

Yu chuckled. "Like I said, don't worry; I've seen worse."

"That isn't really that comforting…" Godou grumbled before looking away. His low cheer was short-lived though, as he was already hopping on his feet by the moment they reached the living room. Yu had the slightest suspicions that the cookies he had baked before he left were eaten by a single suspect. "So! Can you tell me more about Inaba?"

"Don't sound too excited." He replied with a small smile. "Alright, so what did I tell you last time then?"

It had been for a while now that Yu had started telling stories about his other home to the young Kusanagi children, Shizuka rarely staying for long. Godou on the other hand, found the small town incredibly fascinating, asking a lot more than he had ever expected to be asked, especially for such a 'boring' town like Inaba.

Then again, from him, it probably didn't sound boring, as he practically saw his time in Inaba as the most exciting year he ever had. Happiest too, and little compared to ending a year by defeating a goddess in disguise. Of course, he hadn't told anything about the case to the young boy.

"You were telling me about the weapon shop! But then again, even I know buying weapons is against the law now."

Yu was almost tempted then and there to take out one of his swords. It was a simple matter after all, with what Teddie had done for him.

The bear was really good at making law-defying things like their glasses and several of their usable items. The moment Yu opened his tenth chest in Yukiko's Castle, practically overstuffing his and Yosuke's pockets, the bear took out a small pouch of unidentifiable cloth, easily swallowing all of their items, and later, excess weapons. It was a good thing too, as they soon found out when several of their latest weapons couldn't be hid beneath their clothes without accidentally cutting themselves in the process.

When Kanji soon came along, he had been willing enough to replace at least one pocket in each of their clothes with the same material, allowing all of them access to their single inventory without even needing to talk to each other. Naoto really made quite the funny expression the first time he took out a longsword out of his pocket in front of her. It was a feat worthy of a certain robotic cat mascot.

He managed to hold back the urge to do it though, and decided to simply change the subject.

"Hmm, want me to tell you about the local shrine then? It's probably more interesting than the shop."

Godou sat down excitedly, his face completely expectant of a good story. That was probably a 'Yes'.

"Alright it first started when I visited the place in my free time…"

Yu smiled as he regaled a tale about a single scarred fox who wanted to save her shrine, practically entailing him to fulfill the wishes left behind by the rare comer, ranging from simply giving a leaf to an old man to catching the local river legend for the old fishing enthusiast. He told of a single girl who made the decision of confessing to her love after she made a mistake with his locker, and of how he taught another how to finally make friends.

His voice was suitably dramatic when he told of the sad stories of the kid who used to lack friends and of the man who lost his reason to live. He told of how in the end it wasn't the sticker or the completed model that really fulfilled their wishes, that it was the result of their own decision and actions.

He laughed with Godou over the engaged man who screamed over a kitten licking his fingers, only to later declare his love for them, and the boy nodded seriously when Yu warned him of losing money by telling him the story of the lady who lost her wallet.

He loved Inaba really, and it was showing in his voice. The town was his first home, and judging from his experiences here so far in Tokyo, perhaps it would be his second.

"Ehhh?! The old decrepit shrine is now in shining gold?!"

Yu nodded proudly. It was mostly his actions that made it that way after all. "And the fox has now three kits. Before I left, she jumped off the roof of the shrine with them to say goodbye to me. I wonder how she is now…"

Should he call Yosuke to check? After all, it's been a month already and there was probably no one fulfilling the ema for her nowadays.

Seeing that Godou was still shell-shocked, Yu only shook his head and stood to go the kitchen. He was feeling thirsty from speaking for so long now, and he could have for a glass of water. Pressing a speed-dial on his phone, he waited for Yosuke to pick up his call as he filled a glass by the sink.

"Ah, so you finally finished talking to Godou?" Chiyo-baasan called out from across the counter as she watched television. "Thanks for doing that for us, the boy's been feeling a little bored recently."

"I enjoy it too," he smiled as he waited for the call to connect. When it didn't he repeated the action, this time frowning a bit when it failed again. Was Yosuke busy over something? His shift at his job was supposed to be over by now. "And it's not like it's the first time I took care for those younger than me."

"You really are a nice boy." The old woman shook her head merrily before turning worried over something she saw in the news channel. "Oh my…"

"What is it, Chiyo-baasan?" He walked to her side to peek at what she was watching. Unluckily, the moment his eyes focused over the image he already started drinking. For the second time that week, a member of the would-be-famous IT made a spit-take.

At that moment, while a worried Chiyo started fussing over her suddenly choking almost-grandson, a single image was displayed over the television screen, with a caption beneath it in large, bold, golden-lettered font.

The enlarged photo of Hanamura Yosuke was placed over one single line.

[[Genius Teenager and His Friends Challenge Multimillionaire To Save Their Hometown!]]

Thus, the wheel of fate spins on.

---

Present:

"SHOCKING NEWS!

Kujikawa Rise is returning to the showbiz scene, and is bringing along a new guy from her hometown as a work partner! Imagine our surprise when this 'Ted' suddenly came and danced and sang with our super-idol! And somehow, he convinced their manager to go on a worldwide tour!

We've did our research, and no one can tell on who 'Ted' is. Is he a childhood friend?! A secret boyfriend?! Turn to page 19 for the latest info!"

- An excerpt from Japan Idols!, from 4 ½ years ago.

Erica bit her lip.

Like she had expected, the conversation between her Godou and Sasha Voban was going awry. Not that there was any chance for it to go in a different way; as much as she loved Godou, he really was too righteous compared to the older Campione, making it very difficult for them to agree on anything. It was even lucky that they were allowed this conference, she thought to herself, as surely it was within Voban's abilities to fight them from afar.

Or make them fight her, Erica thought as she shifted her gaze to an old friend/enemy.

Liliana Kranjcar , the proud knight of the Bronze Black Cross, her very own counterpart in many ways. Unlike Erica who had changed into less eye-catching clothes ever since she had arrived in Japan, she was still wearing her uniform. A cape of blue and black, no doubt made of the most magic-conductive silk, and a battle outfit of the same colors fully enchanted and charmed for maximum movement and protection.

Not that the magic hewn in the skirts was enough for Erica, who simply tore them away whenever she wanted to.

Apparently, Lily was also her counterpart in the more fantastical realms of imagination.

"He said, 'It was a night I will never forget for the rest of my life. I absolutely cannot forget the night so passionate like a dream, and blindingly bright as summer fireworks. I offered my all to him, and he responded with everything he had. At that time, it felt like the world only contained the two of us, and all else was irrelevant.'

I am not qualified to comment on two Kings having that kind of immoral relationship, but if permissible, what I wish to say is, those kinds of impure actions with Erica are very unhealthy for a male. As for this kind of dishonest two-timing behavior... Ah, please forget what I just said."

"Don't just jump into conclusions; we were just fighting!"

Now, didn't that situation sound familiar?

Godou's face was really amusing in front of such an accusation, she thought. Probably, remembering the earlier event regarding his brother, his expression was portrayed in such an image consisting of both long-suffering and embarrassment. It wasn't everyday that he was accused of consorting with other men, yet it already had happened twice within the week.

Perhaps there was more truth to her theory than she originally thought. Kusanagi Godou was really meant to be a King – in a way, as many kings were famed for their diverse romantic history.

Shaking her head of such silly notions not meant for such a serious situation, Erica turned back to the older Campione in the room, frustratingly calm in face of her Godou. In fact, he almost seemed bemused, like he was simply watching an interesting child vent out his frustrations that ultimately, meant nothing at all to him.

Sasha Dejanstahl Voban, the 1st Campione. He was named a Marquis, and kept an immaculately wisened appearance. And he was by no means noble in all of its meanings.

The one closest to being a Devil King, a tyrant, a murderer, a thief proud enough to steal in plain sight, all of it because it was within his authority as a Campione. Many stories about him were already made in his old age, but none of them were good. Like the Wolf, he plundered and killed the 'pig', destroying any and everything in his path to his goals.

And this time, it was her Godou.

"What do you mean 'sacrifice'?! Don't joke around, if you want to summon a god, do it yourself! Go away and fight your god somewhere else!"

To tell the truth, even she believed that as of the moment, Kusanagi Godou withstood little chance to defeat Voban. He was meant for great things, she knew, but as he currently was, the older Campione remained stronger out of the mere fact he was better in every factor compared to Godou.

He had more authorities. He had more experience as a Campione. He had many things more, even a sharper mind, and so, Godou wouldn't be able to defeat him. Even the Sword would matter little, she knew, as it wouldn't be enough to cut away all of Voban's authorities.

Simply, she entered this place with the hope Godou would somehow convince the tyrant with their familiar stations.

"Youngster, this is a gathering of kings. I apologize for the rudeness of entering your territory without consent. However, do not mistakenly believe that your words can change my intentions. If you request something from a fellow King, should you not prepare to pay the price?"

Godou stood still, his glare still on the older Campione. "Price?"

"It is simple. She is a mere means to summon a Heretic God, so bring me a Heretic God in exchange for her. Or at least, another one as capable as this girl that I could use in my ritual. Without that, there would be no exchange, and I will simply go on like this never happened."

He hesitated. Seeing this, Erica was about to walk between the two Campione, a small meager plan blooming in her mind.

It was foolish, but she hoped it would be enough.

As of the moment, there was truly little chance for things to be settled peacefully, but perhaps the name of Salvatore would suffice. Even though she knew that it could even create a worse situation, she had to take the risk.

She didn't want Godou to fight here and now. Not immediately, at least.

"I-"

She was interrupted when a loud mental voice filtered through all of their minds.

"So, what you want is a great battle then?"

As a thick magical fog suddenly filled the reading room, covering all of the people within it, along with the pillars that were once men and women, a human-shaped figure slowly formed beside Godou.

No distinguishing detail could be seen, all expanse of skin and hair covered by the mist. Not even a gender could be confirmed, as the edges of the shadow's outline were hidden by the same magical phenomenon. Nothing other than the shape of a human wearing white robes.

But those very robes spoke of a very divine power. Not only that, the fact that telepathy had managed to reach the two Campione, as Godou revealed by turning in surprise, meant that whoever was using it had the power to pierce through the high magical resistance of the Devil Kings.

"Leave the young Campione and the girl; I will bring you the fight you wish."

There was only one conclusion for Erica.

A [Heretic God].

---

Mariya Yuri's worst nightmares had come to life.

Not only was it that her past tormentor, the very Campione whose actions had scarred her four years ago, in her country, for the first time in Japan's written history that she knew, two Campione were in a single place within it.

Arguing before the arrival of a [Heretic God].

She trusted Kusanagi Godou; she really did, she had wished for the boy that she had recently befriended to never come save her for his own sake, but she also knew one crucial thing that was an unfortunate fact about him.

He had the tendency of sheer destruction, even when it wasn't his aim to be. Add to that the arrival of the Devil King and a Heretic God, it was quickly showing to be a possible cause for the end of the entirety of Tokyo.

Voban laughed; the sound not at all pleasing to the ear but closer to the evil voice of the devil, brimmed with sinister amusement. "To think that my wish would be attained that easily… or is it?"

"What do you mean by those words?" The shrouded being asked, tone not carrying any sign of being offended yet somehow delivering the thought.

"What can assure me that you are not a mere illusion, or just an Authority that boy has used to fool me? Other than from those robes that you may have killed a Divine Beast for, I can't sense any power from you!"

"Don't try to act like you are even unaware of Kusanagi Godou's abilities." The figure of the fog replied, not by sound, but by the power of the mind. "Verethragna is a powerful God and warrior, but he is no illusionist. And if I'm not as powerful as you would like, then why don't you try asking that poor maiden by your side?"

"I can't see anything," She spoke without being prompted, but she knew the truth in her words. "But I can feel power in that man – not a woman, but a man. It is far greater than that of the one beside him, far greater than the power of the Seventh Campione."

"To pierce my fog and determine a fact," The now identified man was smiling, but it couldn't be seen. However, like everything else about him, it could still be felt. "Truly, you are even more worthy than the praises heaped upon your name when others speak of the Hime-Miko."

"Very well then," Voban nodded at her words, lips twisting into a cruel smile. "Nevertheless! Even with the assurance you are stronger than the youngest of the Rahshasa Raja, how can I still determine that you are worthy of being my prey? Many times have I fought Gods before, but it wasn't always enjoyable. What's stopping me from taking this girl and continuing my ascertained route to fighting a worthy battle?"

Godou was about to interrupt for the slight when Erica placed her hand on his shoulder to stop him.

It wouldn't help to re-enter the fray now, she knew the knight was thinking, as it was best to simply take the chance of the oldest Campione's attentions being directed elsewhere, even if it was a Heretic God. Further engaging with the more experienced King was simply not to be taken, and they were even lucky that they were currently being sidelined away from the spotlight.

The misty figure walked, away from Godou and towards to one of the sand pillars- no, former human beings that were the latest victims of the oldest Campione's Authority. A faded finger was placed on the chin of a petrified woman. "As you wish, let me show you the proof of my power."

"To those who need to be saved, I bring you Salvation."

The last word was whispered with a clear voice unlike the rest, and suddenly, a burst of energy came from the man, enveloping everything in the room. Yuri gasped as it felt completely pure, completely benevolent, the complete opposite of the King beside her. It touched the salt-that-was-once-alive, the bodies that were proof of the power of the [Eyes of Sodom], and healed them.

Men and women, all of them mere seconds ago completely thought of as dead, fell to their knees in feet and broke down into tears. They were of fear, but they were also of happiness. Happiness that they managed to be the very first ones to live through the full Authority of Sasha Dejanstahl Voban.

"To think that someone would finally defeat my eyes…" The old Devil King murmured with a smile. "If it isn't proof to be a worthy prey, then I have turned senile."

The fog-covered silhouette ignored him, bending his knees to face the woman that he had just saved. Words were whispered to her, and she nodded with tears in her eyes. A second later, the man returned the gesture and waved an arm.

All of the people in the room that were once men-turned-salt vanished in a flash of light.

"Where did you take them?" Godou asked the fog-covered figure without the suspicion that would've been on Yuri's tongue had she been the one to ask. "Where did you send them to?"

"I sent them to the nearest hospital." The mental voice that was now so familiar replied. "I sent them where they would be safe and where they could recover from their ordeal."

It was strange as those words entered her head. They would have convinced her that the fog-covered man was only intending for their own good, if she was only not so sure that it was impossible for a [Heretic God] to think that way. It was slightly vexing, the knowledge of the existence of such a paradoxical being behind the fog that permeated the entire room.

"For them," the youngest Campione earnestly replied, "Thank you."

More words were whispered, and Kusanagi Godou looked at him again with widened eyes. But before Yuri could interpret that, the voice of Voban sounded again through the now mostly empty reading room.

"Very well, you will be my prey for my incoming hunt."

The tone was final, like the sound of a death sentence. Yet Yuri knew, even through that magical miasma that was the fog that kept her from trusting her eyes, she knew that the figure, the Man in the Mist, was sending a determined glare towards the old man. She knew there wasn't any fear or apprehension in the being; she knew it was true as much as the red color of her blood.

The old Campione then sat back down to his chair like it was a throne. "Thirty minutes! Thirty minutes, and I will leave this room and hunt for you." He said the words like it was an honor, his vicious eyes seemingly attempting to pierce the fog and attack the silhouette within. "You can hide wherever you want, I'll chase you to the ends of the earth when I start if I have to."

"There is no need." The figure shook his head, turning to her. "Mariya Yuri, the famed Hime-Miko. That time would be enough for the children of magic to arrange a battlefield for the two of us, isn't it correct? A battlefield where we can battle without interruption or consequence to the city?"

Battlefield…

"Yes! Yes, it would be enough!" She quickly replied, even if she wasn't really sure. "In that time, we can prepare the most appropriate place for your match!"

She rather hoped it would be. This was a rare chance that a fight between a [Heretic God] and a Campione could be controlled away from the masses. She hoped that the Compilation Committee would be fast enough.

"Very well." Voban nodded beside her, his gaze more appropriate for an interesting piece of pottery than anything. "Send me the location in thirty minutes, or I would tear through the entire city in my search for my prey."

Shivering beneath the contemptuous threat of the one who was in her nightmares, Yuri nodded, wishing to herself that it would be him, not the Heretic God that somehow seemed so kind and so human compared to the oldest Campione, who would be defeated in the upcoming battle.

---

"You haven't changed one bit after all, Godou."

Those were the words that came out of the mouth of that [Heretic God] after he thanked him.

It wasn't through the voice in his mind, but it was spoken, and as warped by the fog it was, it couldn't hide the peaceful tone the words carried. The moment he heard it, Godou couldn't help but feel safe around the veiled being, like he knew the man behind the mist for long times past.

Yet it was impossible. At least, as far as he knew.

"Godou, you seem deep at thought. Mind sharing it with the rest of us?"

He snapped his head towards the voice so fast that the other person nearly jumped in surprise. Seeing that, he rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah, Erica… What were you talking about, again?"

The knight rolled her eyes. "We were talking about that Heretic God, Godou. And here I was thinking you had something to say about it…"

Beside her, Mariya Yuri, the girl that had been kidnapped just mere minutes before, sighed gently. To think, she was really a strong girl to recover so fast from such an ordeal, her pallor already turning healthier the moment she exited the room where Voban was waiting with them.

Really, she was to be respected for it.

"Erica-san, don't pressure Kusanagi-san too much."

Erica only reprimanded her in exchange. "Don't be too soft on Godou, Yuri. He may get too complacent!"

"I see…" Another girl nodded at her. She seemed to be entirely focused on observing their conversation. "So the Seventh Campione's relationship with Erica Blandelli is allowing her to dominate in most moments, so when he takes the rein the situation, it is more special as to speak."

"Why are you here?!" He found himself pointing a finger at her. "Aren't you supposed to accompany Voban?!"

The other knight bowed in response. "I'm sorry for forcing myself into accompanying you, King Kusanagi Godou. But under my King's orders, I determined it was best for me to follow you, as it is the duty of the local Campione to watch over the battles in his land. With that, I'm sure by the time passes, I would be able to send the message of the location to him myself."

Liliana Kranjcar, the knight counterpart of Erica beneath the oldest Campione, Sasha Dejanstahl Voban. Normally, he had no problems with interacting with anyone, but like Erica, he currently had the disposition to reduce the moments he had around her.

Not that it was due to her having any preference to outright manipulation – Erica for example – but she was currently what he deemed as the personification of his second pet peeve.

The tendency to think of his actions like his sister does: make him out to be the worst sexual deviant that ever existed.

"Wait…" He interrupted those thoughts, as he could simply wallow over his bad luck later. "What do you mean by 'duty to watch over the battles in his land'?"

His 'first wife', as she liked to call herself, sighed explosively. "We were talking about that just a few seconds ago, Godou."

"Enlighten me then."

"Campione are entitled to a list of rights by the fact that they are the [Kings] of the human race." Another voice replied, this time coming from his front. "One of those is the right to rule over a single territory, the place where their orders are held firm as to speak. In exchange, it is also to be expected that in that land, they are responsible for watching over its people – and thus, including the conflicts that may happen within it. Fighting [Heretic Gods] is one thing, and watching over visiting [Campione] is another."

"Of course," this was said with a frivolous chuckle, "You could simply ignore that duty, as it's also one right of a [Campione] to be a tyrant."

"And of course Godou," Erica continued slyly, "You don't want to be seen as a Tyrant King, am I correct?"

Ah, so that was why he was with the rest of them, riding a car driven by Amakasu Touma-san that was headed to the 'arena' where Voban and the Heretic God was going to fight in…

Inwardly, he wept. What had he done to deserve this kind of situation?

A voice inside his head that unnaturally sounded like Erica replied, "You killed a God, you idiot!"

He hung his head.

"So, back to our conversation," the sly woman continued as if she hadn't just broken his will. "What do you think about that [Man in The Mist]?"

"[Man in The Mist]?" He found himself asking. "Who made up that title?"

Yuri raised her hand a little shyly.

"Alright, so let's call him that." He simply accepted it as fact, as generally the Hime-Miko was correct at most things that she did. "What do we know about him, anyways?"

"One, he somehow arrived in our presence without us noticing before it was too late." Liliana surprisingly answered for him. "Two, nothing we did, even Mariya Yuri-san's famed abilities of Spirit Vision, could glean more than his gender through his fog."

The Miko nodded at that. "Even my approximation of his power is vague. I couldn't see anything, other than that he was definitely stronger than you, Godou-san."

Stronger than him… He was certainly lucky that he wasn't the one challenged for a match then.

"Third," Amakasu-san continued for them, his glasses reflecting light into Godou's eyes almost playfully through the side mirror. "He holds the ability to break through the curse of the [Eyes of Sodom], willingly revealing it in order to challenge Sasha Dejanstahl Voban's Authority."

The [Eyes of Sodom], the infamous deadly Authority of the oldest Campione. From the story of the two cities Sodom and Gomorrah, when the wife of the sole person to be chosen by God to live through his judgment of fire and brimstone decided to turn back and look at the suffering faces of the cities they left behind, she was turned into a pillar of salt as punishment for disobeying God's orders.

In the hands of Voban, it turned into a pair of eyes capable of turning any living human their gaze landed on into the very same substance that the sole statue outside the two seared cities was made of. This was his most famous Authority, the extremely one-sided eyes he gained from the defeat of Balor of the Evil Eye. And they were simply defeated with a few words by the figure in the fog.

"And fourth," this Mariya-san with no little mystification, "He appears to break all convention of his kind, actively helping humans instead of causing harm to them."

Even without seeing it, Godou knew Amakasu-san was nodding. "I had called the closest hospital and like he said, there were the people that were the victims by Voban's authority. I've also identified that lady he talked to – not by telepathy – and these were the only things she said."

The sound of a recording played through the phone that was suddenly thrown into Godou's hands.

"He was kind… He asked if we wanted to leave that man's presence. When I begged him not to kill us, thinking that was what he meant, he showed me part of his face. It was a smile – not like the one he had, but welcoming, caring… He said he was going to send us to the hospital, and I nodded, knowing he was telling the truth. I was happy! He saved us, f-from that hell that our bodies had turned into! He was our salvation, and he saved us all!"

Beside him, Mariya-san gulped. Why would she-

No… Voban didn't dare try using that Authority on her… right?

"The energy he used," the Hime-Miko murmured weakly, "It really was something aimed at helping people. There was no taint of evil in it, like there wasn't even a hidden agenda in using it other than healing them."

Liliana, in another bout of uncharacteristic actions, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, rubbing in circles to help her calm down. Seeing that, Godou felt his anger slowly lessen.

"He talked to you as well, right, Godou-san?"

He didn't manage to catch the change from Kusanagi-san to Godou-san before he was already answering. "Yeah, that's right… wait, 'Godou-san'?"

"I can call you that, right?" Mariya-san asked shyly, very unlike the usual willful girl that he knew could go against Erica. "And call me Yuri in exchange?"

Seeing that she garnered quite the effort on saying, all Godou could do was agree. "Alright then, Yuri-san."

There was a moment of silence before Amakasu-san laughed. "Amazing, Yuri-san! To catch the attention of two Campione one after the other, you sure are amazing!"

Before the suddenly blushing Miko could send back a retort, the knight of the Bronze Black Cross was already saying something out loud. "So that's how King Godou charms his women… He certainly has no shame, doing it here in a closed space with his lover Erica-san."

"I don't charm them! Erica and Yuri-san are just friends!"

For some reason, the Miko made a defeated sound, causing Erica to also place her hand comfortingly on her shoulder. "Alright, again, back to the topic. So Godou, he said something to you as well? Unlike Yuri, I couldn't see from my vantage point much of even his silhouette."

Calming down, he nodded. "Yeah. When I thanked him for helping them, he told me 'You haven't changed one bit after all, Godou'."

"His voice… like she said, it was kind and welcoming. It made me feel at peace, like I was safe as long as I was by his side."

Erica sent him a sharp glance. "Godou, now… don't fall for any men…"

His ears went red. "Like I told you, I definitely don't swing that way!"

"Are you sure it isn't some sort of Authority that creates the illusion of some kind of charisma?" Liliana interjected between them, her question being pointed at Yuri. "Two examples, and it would also make sense that a deity that was known for being good would have both that kind of aura and healing Authority…"

She then realized what she was doing, and interrupted herself. "I mean, please forget what I said. I wasn't aiming to join the conversation, as I only wanted to fulfill the order of King Godou to tell him what I knew…"

Godou sighed. "Now, Liliana-san, you don't have to walk on eggshells around me. You can join in the conversation if you want too."

"I apologize King Godou, but as a knight, I have to show the rightful respect to a King such as you, even if the authority above me is someone else." She strongly replied, unbending on her stance. "But as you wish, I should also join the discussion. Now, like I said earlier, wouldn't it make sense for him to be that kind of deity? It also stands to reason as to why he might help people."

"Even with that kind of logic, it still doesn't make sense, Lily." Erica continued like she was indeed doing the right thing. "[Heretic Gods] are supposed to go against their myths after all. Even the kindest myth would turn sinister the moment they turn Heretic."

She then turned to Godou again. "Plus, apparently he knew Godou from long ago already. What does he mean by this, Godou?"

"Like I know." He shrugged. "I've only known the supernatural since I become a Campione after all."

"Then again…" Yuri-san murmured between them. "If the [Man in The Mist] could really hide his presence whenever he wanted, wouldn't that mean Godou-san could had been watched by him ever since a long time ago, without him knowing?"

"A stalker male [Heretic God]." Erica sighed to herself. "Now, really I've heard of everything. Godou, alright since you wanted me to stop accusing you of charming others, could you stop seducing everyone you meet?"

He spluttered. "I don't seduce people!"

"Aha!" Amakasu-san nodded giddily. "Now that would make sense! Campione fight the logic wherever they go, so wouldn't it be right to say that it's possible they could somehow convert Heretic Gods? If they could even be called Heretic Gods by then."

"Amakasu-san!"

However, there was a single line that stuck into Godou's mind even as they arrived and Liliana separated from them to send a message to her King.

Can he be even be called a [Heretic God] by now?

---

It was in Shiba Park.

Placed in the middle of Tokyo, in the Minato ward, it was the closest thing possible that fulfilled the requirements.

A wide area of free space without buildings. People and vehicles could be redirected, trains could be momentarily stopped if they had to. It was only simple as they only had to repeat the excuse they used when Athena attacked, and thus casualties could be reduced. Of course, if they could only ignore one monumentally large thing within one of its areas.

The Tokyo Tower.

Looking at the very famous and prominent landmark, Godou prayed that it wouldn't be the next world heritage to be destroyed by Campione.

"Do we really have to fight here?" He asked, almost begging at Amakasu-san, who only huffed and re-affixed his glasses.

"Ma, ma~ Kusanagi-san. It's not like we have much choice!" Contrary to his words, the man was as infuriatingly cheerful as always. "This is the only place we could reach in thirty minutes! Would you want to instead drive all the way to the sea, Voban-sama tearing everything as he followed us?"

"Don't worry, Kusanagi Godou." The voice of the [Man in The Mist] resounded suddenly, causing many of them to jump. Beside Godou again, his figure slowly formed, his fog already spreading thick into the wide area. "I'll try to rein in the destruction the Wolf, Sasha Dejanstahl Voban might wreak."

"Great!" The Committee member commented, not at all unsettled by the sudden appearance of the mysterious being. Would anything unnerve him? "Thank you for that, [Man in The Mist]-sama!"

"You seem rather… carefree for a man who would be witness for a clash between god-level beings."

Yuri-san, who had slowly relaxed as she realized that the Heretic God was still surprisingly benevolent, sighed as she pulled away the spectacled adult. "I apologize, [Man in The Mist]-sama, for letting this careless man come close to you. Or would you like to be called by some other name?"

"The name is fine, and I find it apt. Don't fear me; I'm only here to battle the oldest Campione and drive him away from these shores. This land is my home as well, and it's my duty to protect it."

The figure then turned to him. "Kusanagi Godou, would you fight me if I decide to reside in your territory?"

Realizing just what he was asking him, Godou quickly took a few steps back and raised his hands in peace. "No, no, no! Really! It's alright with me! I don't like fighting that much anyways, and as long as you don't bring chaos in this city, I'm fine with that! You can even stay as long as you want, since you just want to protect this place!"

Even with the fog, he knew the man was smiling. "Truly you are an interesting Campione, Godou."

Erica silently walked behind him and elbowed him just below the ribs. She whispered, slightly irritated, "Godou! Like I told you, stop seducing even [Heretic Gods]!"

"I'm not-"

He was interrupted when the satisfied voice of Sasha Dejanstahl Voban echoed in the night air, somehow ringing loud and clear through the wide open space that was the park.

"Ah, indeed. This would be a suitable place for my hunt – no," he shook his head, staring hungrily at the figure of the mist. "This battle, between me and the [Heretic God] that has defied my very best Authority."

The old Campione then sent everyone else the same look. "Now, wouldn't you go somewhere farther from here? Or else, perhaps you want to add to my prey?"

It was a clear signal, and mere minutes later the only one left in the space of a hundred meters around Voban was the [Man in The Mist].

"Now then," a wolfish grin formed on the wisened-looking old man's features. "Let's begin placing our lives on the line, shall we?"

---

It began with wolves.

Six, twelve, until dozens of them were in the grassy field that was Shiba Park, they slowly rippled off the darkness glooming from the nearby trees and shrubbery. Grey hair colored silver by the starkly clear full moon above them, they encircled the two combatants, all of them large enough to bite of a man's head along with half of his upper body with no problem. They moved as a pack, their mouths watering in visible hunger. Their eyes were blood-red, filled with primal rage and fury that seemed bottomless.

The [Legion of Hungry Wolves], another of the oldest Campione's most famous authorities. It was told that it could summon enough of the ravenous beasts to destroy more that seven villages in a single activation, but no one ever dared in questioning it within his presence, as he may do it for the sake of proving them correct. Any sane man wouldn't dare to fight them, as they were strong enough, fast enough, and more importantly, many to be capable of doing mass destruction.

In face of the Authority, not a single reaction could be seen from the veiled being of the fog.

"Let me test your mettle first; you may have the healing abilities to defeat my eyes, but could you do the same for my wolves?"

One of them jumped, aiming for the man's throat.

It never came close, as its mouth suddenly found itself inserted with a longsword, the length enough to pierce through its throat and into the back of its lower spine.

Then the rest attacked. One went for the blurry arm that held the sword, another pair aiming for the legs, some more jumping for different limbs, and the last one had its teeth snarled as it attempted to bite through the man's face.

They also failed, as in a single swing the sword bursted through the body it was embedded in, cleanly cutting through three other wolves in its wake. Just as suddenly as it did, another sword appeared in the other hand of the [Man in The Mist], decapitating the beast aiming for its arm and finishing its slash by hacking through the heads of two others. And the quick movements didn't stop there, continuing until a sudden pause of silence.

In two seconds and without a sound other than the broken-off whines of the wolves before they died, all that was left living around Voban was the fog-covered figure. In his hands were still those two swords, the grip on them steady and blood dropping off their blades. They were as unidentifiable as their wielder, the fog covering their features even as it colored red by the arterial spray of the dead wolves. Even that and their bodies faded away soon enough in a burst of dark particles, the divine magic creating them having been dispelled with their death.

Voban saw all of this, and chuckled. A sound not unfitting for another's nightmares escaped his lips until he was laughing. "So just those wolves wouldn't be enough for you? Good, good… Now, let's see it happen again, this time for serious."

In a single instant, even Godou gasped as he watched the sudden change in the battlefield. The land that was covered in grass was suddenly lost in a sea of fur and glowing eyes, all of it from hundreds and hundreds of the same beasts that died only seconds ago, almost like mushrooms after a good rain. They formed like the grass itself turned into pure muscle and sinew, the earth shaping into bone and teeth.

A single breeze came to the park, and waves of fur rolled as nearly a thousand eyes just as hungry as those that came before them focused at the [Man in The Mist].

This time, they all jumped in the air at the same time, no doubt blotting out the view of the moon for the man hidden by the fog, and ultimately, Godou's view of the man himself as he was buried beneath a heap of biting teeth and snarling jaws.

"I can't believe it." He could hear Erica murmuring to herself. "Even I could defeat the wolves myself if I have to, but that many at the same time…"

Godou knew that it was the same for him. Yet somehow he also knew that it wouldn't be for the mysterious being that honestly saved him from battling the crazed old man that was Sasha Dejanstahl Voban. And he was right, as a just as sudden burst of power came from the center of the pile of wolves.

Eight slashes. It was eight great cuts, centering at the man like a star. The first had severed through the top of the heap, reaching down to the ground and leaving a mark a few meters longer than its diameter embedded more than several inches into the darkened grassland. Then the second, and third, and so on and so forth, all of them centered at the man whose fog was slowly escaping the mass of flesh that had prevented it from spreading, all of them angled differently from each other by equal degrees but no less destructive to the wolves that suddenly found themselves bisected in different places.

After it, another burst of power formed, and a huge gust of wind suddenly kick-started in the middle of the now-degenerating pile that was once the wolves of Voban's Authority. It brought about movement, bringing along with it the multiple bloody pieces of the beasts upward, and only stopped when all of it already disintegrated as the magic animating them broke apart.

"Those wolves…" The familiar mental voice of the man, not-in-the-least hurried, resounded again in their minds. "I've been scrutinizing them. They're not only of the earth and darkness, but of the light as well, aren't they?"

"He's right." Yuri's words formed on her lips as her eyes gazed widely into great slashes that surrounded the man, peering deep into the dark particles that was what only remained of the great many wolves. "I can see it… The [Heretic God] Sasha Dejanstahl Voban had first killed, and he's right."

"Oh?" Voban looked even more amused. "Tell me more of what you know then."

"[Legion of Hungry Wolves], the Authority gained from the contradictory god of both light and shadow." The mist-covered figure then slowly walked out of the crater he formed. "Born in the beginning as a god of the land, he was the favorite child of the people who worshiped him. Soon, the stories that detailed him slowly changed him, as they were as contradictory as the wishes of many men. Not everyone saw the best in the same creatures, but everyone placed their favored animals and stories within his myths."

"Out of all the gods in his pantheon, he had the most titles. God of music, god of light. The god of pestilence, yet still the god of healing. The god of the harvests, and the god of life. Many animals were added to his name, from the swan, the rat, to the last of them, the wolf. He was the god of the earth that replaced Helios as the god of the Sun by the Greeks, Phoebus Apollo!"

"Amazing…" The old Campione laughed. "Swords sharp enough to cut through the fur of my wolves, winds strong enough to break them apart to pieces. And now, the analyzing eye good enough to identify the entirety of my Authority within mere seconds after its activation. But would it be enough to defeat me?"

With a gurgle in his throat that was slowly turning into a growl, Voban curled to himself as fur started to grow on his skin, easily bursting through the suit that he wore. Claws formed on his fingers, his teeth sharpening as they lengthened with his canines growing past his lower jaw. His size slowly increased, starting to tower over trees with ease as a wild howl escaped his lips. One by one, even more wolves formed from his body as his now lengthy fur transmuted into flesh and bone.

His eyes, now red and just as hungry as his beasts were, focused again on the [Man in The Fog]. "Don't think this is only my Authority."

True to his words, slowly further shadows slinked from the earth, forming faces, weapons, and armor. Humans they used to be, at least before their souls were taken after their death beneath the hands of the oldest Campione. They were all famous swordsmen, mages, and wizards, yet all of them were reduced into lifeless [Dead Servants] under the tyrannical power of Voban's latest Authority.

Godou clenched his teeth from just watching them move. He had nearly fought one before Liliana took the battle away from him, but he already knew that they were suffering. Their minds were still there, in their undead bodies carried by their souls, but it meant little as they could only move and do whatever Voban wanted them to.

[Cage of Undead Servants]. It was the Authority gained by Voban when he defeated the Heretic God Osiris. Being a god of the underworld and rebirth, the Authority required the wielder to kill those he wanted to control, and the oldest Campione had little problem doing so. Sasha Voban was a man who murdered easily, and oft for the sake of amusement after all.

"You don't understand do you?" The figure in the mist shook his head, the silhouette reflecting the movement. "Or haven't you heard, of how Kusanagi Godou turned victor over Athena?"

"Bah!" The werewolf took the moment to show disgust. "That boy winning over one of the oldest deities of the underworld? It's completely ridiculous."

"So you haven't heard," Godou for some reason knew the man was angry. "Of the ability that mirrors my own."

Wait, an ability that mirrors the [Sword] Authority?

"Let me show you then, a reflection of my power."

One by one, from the fog surrounding the man, his swords slowly flew up, increasing and increasing by number until there were more than a dozen of them. They all kept the same shape, the same size, yet remained as unidentifiable as ever as the mist remained to be cover from prying eyes. Like a ring around him, they spun clockwise once, counter-clockwise twice before pointing down and aiming for the werewolf beneath them.

"The [Cage of Undead Servants] was the Authority gained from the killing of the Heretic God Osiris!"

Uninterested in simply being skewered by the weapons, Voban, his wolves, and his puppet servants rushed, claws and bones tearing gashes into the already broken grassland. The servants, being the closest, managed to cut at him with their katanas, the fireballs in their palms rushing to hit the figure of the mist.

Yet he did not stop. He ignored the blades bouncing off his body and easily dodged the magical projectiles. "Osiris was once killed by the traitor Set, chopped and burned, split apart into multiple pieces all over Egypt. However, with the magic of his sister and wife goddess of the earth Isis, and the help of his brother god of knowledge Thoth, he was resurrected as the god of the Underworld, of the darkness and rebirth!"

Deep inside Godou, the words entering his mind slowly formed their own [Swords], his Authority quasi-activating without his prompting. In the same time, the fog covering the ones above the [Man in The Mist] slowly faded away, showing more and more of their features.

Contrary to expectations, they were made of dull stone, tinted grey as mottled ash covered its tips down the body of the blade. There were little accessory, the swords looking like they were hewn from unpolished rock, but nevertheless they spoke of unbidden power. They vibrated in their places before they fell like shooting stars to the man's closest enemies.

"Osiris was born from the chief goddess of the earth, borne of moonlight that she took from the elder god of the moon. Likewise, he was reborn from the combined powers of Isis and Thoth, the younger god and goddess of the moon and the land! Born of the earth, death, twilight, and magic; that is the story of the [Heretic God] Osiris!"

"These are my blades, and they will shred your stolen power!"

Where they hit, wolves and the undead died, a single touch easily breaking apart the bonds of power between them and their master.

Voban growled. "Those blades… they're cutting apart my Authority!"

True to his words, slowly but surely, the swordsmen and wolves that were famed to never end, to never break apart under the power of Voban's enemies, started to reduce. Souls started to depart from their chained servitude, the bindings on them unraveling as the power of [Osiris] disappeared.

"Pacifier of the Ashihara no Nakatsukuni," Mariya Yuri murmured as she took in the sight of the revealed swords. "The sword god of the Nihonshoki, his name comes from the fashion things are cut and his nature as a deity! 'To cut' and 'deity'; the swords made to sever divinity, those are the blades of the God Futsunushi! Yet…"

"What, Yuri?" Erica asked beside the Hime-Miko, holding the shaking hands of the mid-trance Priestess. "What more do you see?"

"I c-can't understand… This divinity, is human! It has the traces of a magic, a magic not within the scale of what I can see!"

"A [Campione]?!"

That can't be… but he never said he was a [Heretic God], didn't he? Then, in the end, was the [Man in The Mist] really not a [Heretic God], but an unknown Campione?

"I-I'm not sure! Even Godou-san's Authorities don't have the same feel as those swords! It's a power different from the curse of Pandora! And I can't perceive past the blades, as the fog still shrouds the origin of their owner, the [Man in The Mist]!"

"Try not to further look for what is hidden, Hime-Miko." The voice of the being resounded again in their minds. "You know too much already."

In the same time, Sasha Dejanstahl Voban roared in anger. "Such annoying parlor tricks! This is not a battle, it's a farce!"

"Then why don't you match for me by yourself? All you've been doing so far is letting your puppets and pets fight for you."

Voban paused, his face turning blank. Slowly, an evil smile formed on his face. "True… what have I been doing, testing you when I know of your ability?"

The wind picked up around the oldest Campione. Clouds suddenly condensed in the sky, getting bigger in an exponential rate, darkening as they covered the clear full moon. Then, lightning followed the now gale-force winds, belying the entrance of powerful magical storm. Loud bellows accompanied the striking sounds of thunder, and water fell in large raindrops going fast enough to sting skin.

Small gusts then surrounded Voban like armor, sparks of electricity travelling between them as water swelled in copious amounts to protect the oldest Campione. In the same time, three figures, red, blue, and green, coalesced behind him. They were three great warriors of China, the weather trio Bo Feng, Yu Shi, and Lei Gong.

They were also the [Heretic Gods] Voban killed to gain the Authority [Sturm Und Drang].

Unlike earlier times though, he didn't let any time pass before he was already in front of the [Man in The Mist], one wind-veiled claw going down to rip him to pieces.

The man flew away. Voban made an annoyed sound. "Body as hard as steel- no, impervious to any physical attacks? But as magic is still useful…"

The figure of the fog rotated twice in midair before his veiled feet landed neatly on the ground. "Wind, lightning, water, and darkness, altogether. And any attempt at analysis is useless. Your combined Authorities prevent me from seeing clearly. It is as much as a problem for me to defeat you now that it is for you to defeat me."

"Don't stop moving now, boy!" Voban growled as he reappeared behind the man. His attack this time was prematurely countered, however, as three swords fell from above him in an attempt to eviscerate the oldest Campione. He redirected the claw and some of his winds to deflect them, allowing both of them to escape without harm.

That is, other than for the hand that was now exposed to the air, the claws and fur adorning it suddenly dispelling to nothing. "Tch, still in effect, those blades of yours."

"Don't figure it finished too early." The rest of the flying swords above the Campione came down at the same time.

"I won't let you!" Voban yelled as he unleashed the real power of his weather Authority, a sudden tornado forming around him and carrying away the swords that attempted to pierce him from all directions. Yet it was only a distraction.

It also prevented him from seeing an incoming sword, held by a thrusting hand and aiming for his chest.

"I can't believe it…" Liliana gasped as they all watched the [Man in The Mist] successfully impale Voban, a stone sword stabbing through the man's sternum, going through with several inches of blade exposed behind his back. "He actually hit…"

A burst of darkness came from the two combatants, a pained howl piercing through the strong winds and the thunderstorms of the sky. From it, the veiled man jumped away, landing in a injured heap as residues of shadows clung to his figure and befouling his fog.

"He's weak against the powers of the dark, I guess." Erica already answered before Godou could ask for himself. "If he is indeed a Heretic God of light or justice, as Lily suggested, then it also stands to reason that he would be weak against the dark elements."

"But he can be something other than a Heretic God, right?!"

The Diavolo Rosso bit her lips. "I suppose, with Yuri's analyses so far, even [Divine Ancestors] are out as they could only be female."

"Then-" Before Godou could finish his sentence, a growl, a human one, came from the dark cloud that contained the oldest Campione.

"This- this- I won't forgive you for this, boy!" Voban yelled, an animalistic gurgle escaping his throat as all of his savagery exposed itself for all eyes to see. Lightning, wind, and water redirected again as bloody hands were outstretched towards the man still in the middle of recovery. With it, the remaining shadows surrounding the angered Campione dispelled, revealing a human shape with his entire upper body splattered with his own blood, spilling down his clothes down to his calves.

The moment he was stabbed by the sword, his [Wolf] Authority fell apart and sent a terrifying amount of backlash at him, reducing him to such a state.

A combination of the three elements flew from his hands, steam, plasma, and ice combined with gale-force razor-sharp winds all directed at the kneeled man.

"No!"

Tempests suddenly formed at Godou's feet before it carried him to his destination.

Directly in between the two combatants.

---

AN: I really like making fun of Godou. I guess that's why the Takedzuki-san wrote him that way. As you can see, current Present chapter is centered on him and those around him, so expect the next one to be about the IT.

Troublesome fight scenes, really difficult to write as planned as I suck at writing them without spoiling too much. The mechanics are still not there yet, you see, and I don't know how to express something that is meant to be vague.

Still not seeing the seriousness in my writing though, and may soon give up on that front. Stylistically, I'm more for the traditional 'sprinkled with huge doses of humor' after all. Do… you guys not like it? Because it seems like the Persona Crossover fandom likes the more 'serious' kind of writing.

I would never be good at angst or conveying any sense of the darker themes, so I hope you guys agree. (I'm a natural Wangst person here people! ADHD kinda does that for you. Nope, definitely not alcohol. Somehow, I'm good at Hurt/Comfort though… in a literal sense, not as a theme.)

On the subject of pairings, don't expect them too soon. I like writing romance as a subplot, so I just let them form their bonds naturally. If the characters decide to pair up, then I'll pair 'em up. I don't really have OTPs on both fandoms. Even Godou's harem would be subject to it – not that it matters much, from what I see… Godou is really on the Harem Route, just by being himself.

Forget about the update schedule, I've got inspiration! The awesomeness that are the latest chapters of the Ashes of the Past is fuel for my writing machine! The words won't stop forming beneath my fingertips! Muahahaha, take that, Writer's Block! Or at least, please don't come back soon… (Plus, the slightly underfed Bonds Unlocked and dilapidated It's Just a Huge Misunderstanding, Really! bunnies are looking at me with begging eyes. Sorry, my dears, but I have a new favorite as of the moment… Just sit tight there and… I'll be back. For those readers who want to know my chapter progress, check my profile. I update that part every so often.)

Le Muse kinda looks at me funny right now… It's like she's scheming something. Quick! Everyone, fill my review box by the loads so she'll stay! Meh, who am I kidding, she's one hell of sadist, so even with that she may not even think about staying. But I can try, right?

It's kinda funny this happened though:

Review Reply Corner!

Random Reviewer: Thanks for the review! I actually did realize the lack of a bullet train in D.C., but then again I already posted the chapter, so let's just say it's one of those differences from RL. As for the lack of recoil damage by the impact, *sigh*. It was actually going to be explained later on, but since this is an anon review, I'll explain here. As it is obvious, it was Yu who saved the kid. But at that moment, he was using a Null Physical Persona (or if Persona 3 was the fandom, the more specific Null Strike). I understand that property as nullifying the force – Repel is basically reflecting/deflecting it, and Resist is the basic Body of Iron, which is a simple durability – and thus, momentum is completely lost. No recoil because it's an instantaneous stop of the entire train + passengers (completely disregarding inertia!), other than the slight compression caused by the impact. If it was done by Superman, well expect the Hancock-esque property damage and a dent much bigger than a man in front of the train. But it's Yu. That simple.

And honestly, even he wouldn't be able to think fast enough past the 'save the kid' to 'pull the kid off the tracks' (around 320 kph if memory serves me right; general distance to detect an incoming bullet train is when it is at most 50 meters away, so there is less than a second to react, precisely at a maximum of 0.675 sec before impact). Not to mention it would've wrenched the poor kid's arm if it was done that way. Try being yanked off in a speed fast enough to escape a closing-in bullet train; it would seriously have to dislocate or rip off a limb, especially for children. If it was just an ordinary car though, that could be done… (Proud of Math skills! Provided that the train didn't de-accelerate first… but let's not nitpick.)

As for the amount of characters; this is my only response. "I'll do my best!" I now have a newfound respect for several of my favorite writers… Plus, honestly I'm devoting most of the Past for the IT and Present to the Campione characters so far… When I finish the Past, then I'll balance the characters then. All of them are there for a reason after all.

Guest/s: The premise of the story is still not really there. So are several facts. Don't make any conclusions about the IT just yet; I'm telling you, it's a rather simple effect but a relatively complicated cause. I just placed the effects, not the causes. That's was the entirety of Rise's job: she is after all, the 'statistical observer' not the 'analyzer' in PS2 Persona 4, no matter what her skills say. The Past Arc is actually there to explain the entire premise and the goals of the IT. It's not like they could just follow Yu; Yu has to go somewhere or aim for something first. And by the end of the Past Arc (probably after Chapter 7, I'm really not dragging it past what's needed), you would know just about everything you need to know. Kinda.

General premise in my stories is: everything is done for a reason, and not everything is truly perceivable in the beginning. Expect even gags to make a comeback in a form of a plot twist, as I like masking important details with jokes. To Become A Campione is just beginning, my dear reviewers.

Please, next time, review using an account. Even if it helps me start my writing pace, there are too many spoilers. I specialize in hiding stuff from the audience, not revealing my secrets in a single paragraph! :(

On the subject of grammatical and typo errors though, would you guys please also point them out for me? I don't know how to use the beta mechanic, plus I'm not really fond of the idea of delaying my update speed with them. I self-beta anyways, but I have limits. So, please help!

Edit: Oops, sorry. Stealth EDIT: Eight Campione - Seventh Campione

"I'm Ryuuga, and you haven't left a review. Time to die."

- Readerdreamer5625 (Who likes the game name 'Inori Ryuuga')